New era in domestic shipping dawns with the introduction of CSL's Baie St. Paul
ST. LAMBERT, QC, March 22, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - The St. Lawrence Seaway
Management Corporation (SLSMC) announced today the opening of the
Seaway's 55th navigation season with the transit of Canada Steamship Lines' newly
built Baie St. Paul through the St. Lambert Lock. Marking the first of a series of new
vessels being constructed specifically for use in the St. Lawrence
Seaway, the Baie St. Paul ushers in a new era in domestic shipping.
"Canada Steamship Lines (CSL) ranks prominently among a number of
Canadian shipowners who are committing hundreds of millions of dollars
to build new vessels, testifying to the confidence these firms have in
the future of the Great Lakes-Seaway System," said Terence Bowles,
President and CEO of the SLSMC. "The new vessels coming into service
will bolster marine transportation's competitive edge as the most
energy efficient means of moving cargo."
"The Baie St. Paul is the first of CSL's Trillium Class of vessels, which sets new
standards in operational and energy efficiency, reliability and
environmental protection," said CSL's President Louis Martel. "The Baie St. Paul is 15% more fuel efficient than CSL's previous class of ships - vessels
that were already among the most efficient in the Lakes - and will save
approximately 750 tonnes of fuel per year, amounting to a yearly carbon
emission reduction of 2,400 tonnes."
Companies seeking to bolster their supply chain's sustainability are
taking note that ships have a very small carbon footprint. The SLSMC's
Bowles said: "A peer-reviewed study, released in February of 2013,
confirms that marine generates the least greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
of any transportation mode. The new vessels can move a tonne of cargo
very efficiently, and when compared to the state-of-the-art equipment
in alternate modes, generate 38% less GHG emissions than rail and 88%
less GHG emissions than trucks."
In terms of the outlook for cargo volume on the St. Lawrence Seaway in
2013, the SLSMC's Bowles noted that he continues to be upbeat. "Seaway
tonnage is forecast to exceed a total of 40 million tonnes for the
year," said Bowles.
Craig Middlebrook, Acting Administrator of the U.S. Saint Lawrence
Seaway Development Corporation, stated: "The resurgence of
manufacturing in North America is fueling demand for both traditional
and new Seaway cargoes, having positive implications for Great Lakes
shipping. Just as the private sector is investing in new vessels and
new engines, public sector investments in lock rehabilitation, port
infrastructure, and new navigation technologies are laying the
foundation for sustained future growth."
Over 227,000 jobs and $35 billion in economic activity are supported by
the movement of goods within the Great Lakes-Seaway System. For more
information on the St. Lawrence Seaway, including the findings of the
recently published environmental study comparing transportation modes,
please consult the www.greatlakes-seaway.com website.
Image with caption: "Canada Steamship Lines' new Trillium Class vessel, Baie St. Paul, in the St. Lambert Lock. The ship opened the 55th season for the St. Lawrence Seaway. (CNW Group/The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130322_C7570_PHOTO_EN_24717.jpg
Image with caption: "From left to right - Captain Jim Leaney, Terence Bowles (CEO of St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation) and Chief Engineer Jean-Louis Girard in front of the Baie St. Paul, the first ship to open the St. Lawrence Seaway. (CNW Group/The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130322_C7570_PHOTO_EN_24719.jpg
PDF available at: http://stream1.newswire.ca/media/2013/03/22/20130322_C7570_DOC_EN_24721.pdf
SOURCE: The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation
